In the psychiatrist waiting room

[Sri]

Here I am again. Waiting for my daughter's assessment. She's just turned 18 and this would be her third hospital stay but the playing field has just got bigger. She's still at school but there's no room in the adolescent unit. And my beautiful, suicidal child does not need just yet to have her eyes widened to long term adult mental health problems. It's been 3 years since the first diagnosis and the marathon I thought I could sprint through is becoming an ultra one. And so I literally have to sit and accept this, and give myself daily reminders that we got this far and that's a great thing. That she is more than an illness. And in all those 3 years the music in the waiting room hasn't got any better. That I can still laugh at the absurdity of sound and seriousness of place of that background buzz is a good thing. Good luck everyone as you wait in the psychiatrist's room. You got there and that's a good thing!

[white knight]

Hi Sri, welcome

What l thought was going to be a worrying post turned out inspirational.

Well done to you and your daughter. Sometimes bravery is displayed by persistence and belief.

As for your daughter, have you considered her leaving school. When mental illness strikes we have to consider all facets if her life. I suppose the doctors will cover that.

Could you google the following.

Topic: symbolic tokens to assist the mind- beyondblue

Tony WK

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Sri,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

I can hear from your post that you're digging deep and finding so much strength as a mum, and I'm glad you're here.

It can be a confronting transition from adolescent to adult ward, but it doesn't always have to be. Have you considered talking about your concerns with the nurses or social workers on site? They may be able to find little things that can feel less confronting; like bringing music from home for instance to block out noise, or shutting a curtain mid-way so that she doesn't need to see other patients.

Daily reminders is a great thing and definitely very helpful. Do you do them in your head or write them out on paper? If you use a smartphone there are also apps that can send you notifications and affirmations. This might be worth considering as there are some good free ones! Finding positivity in small moments (even the absurdity of bad music) can often be just enough to get through.